KDF Cadet Aptitude key terms

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word, such as 'begin' and 'start', so replacing one with the other keeps the sentence's meaning intact.

A word whose meaning is opposite to another word, such as 'hot' and 'cold'. Questions often ask you to pick the option that reverses the meaning of the given word.

Information in the surrounding words or sentences that helps you work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word, for example a definition, example, contrast or cause-and-effect signal nearby.

A conclusion you reach by reasoning from evidence in a passage rather than from a statement written directly. The answer is implied, not stated word for word.

The central point a paragraph or passage is built around, usually stated in a topic sentence or implied by the whole text. Every supporting detail should relate to it.

A letter group attached to the front of a root word to change its meaning, such as 'un-' in 'unfair' or 'pre-' in 'preview'. Recognising it helps you decode unfamiliar words.

A letter group added to the end of a root word to change its meaning or grammatical form, such as '-ness' turning 'kind' into 'kindness' or '-ed' marking past tense.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words, such as 'to bury the hatchet' meaning to end a quarrel. These are learnt as whole units.

A short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice, such as 'Haste makes waste'. Kiswahili and English proverbs are often tested for matching meaning.

Neno la Kiswahili linalomaanisha 'proverb'. Ni usemi mfupi wenye hekima unaofundisha maadili, kama vile 'Haraka haraka haina baraka', na hutumika kupima uelewa wa lugha.

Usemi wa Kiswahili ambao maana yake haitokani moja kwa moja na maneno yake, kama 'kumpa mkono' kumaanisha kusaidia. Hufundishwa kama kipashio kimoja cha lugha.

Aina ya neno la Kiswahili linalotaja jina la mtu, kitu, mahali au hali, kama 'mtoto', 'shule' au 'furaha'. Hutumika kama kiima au kiambishi cha sentensi.

Neno la Kiswahili linaloeleza au kufafanua nomino, kama 'kubwa' katika 'mtoto mkubwa'. Hulingana na ngeli ya nomino inayoelezwa.

A comparison of two quantities by division, written as a:b or as a fraction. It shows how many times one amount contains another and is used in sharing and scale problems.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 2:3 = 4:6. Solving for an unknown in a proportion lets you scale quantities up or down accurately.

A fraction expressed out of one hundred, so 25% means 25 per 100 or one quarter. Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages is a core numerical-reasoning skill.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are, also called the mean. It gives a single figure representing the centre of the data.

The distance travelled per unit time, calculated as distance divided by time. Typical problems ask you to find speed, distance or time when two of the three are given.

A list of numbers following a hidden rule, such as adding 3 or doubling each time. Your task is to identify the pattern and supply the next or missing term.

A relationship question of the form A is to B as C is to what. You identify how the first pair is linked, then apply the same link to the second pair.

A logical argument with two premises and a conclusion, such as 'All cadets train; all trainees obey orders; therefore all cadets obey orders'. You judge whether the conclusion must follow.

Reasoning from general statements to a specific conclusion that must be true if the premises are true. It differs from guessing because each step is forced by logic.

An ordered arrangement of items, letters or shapes that follows a rule. Finding the rule lets you predict what comes next or spot the item that breaks the pattern.

The transfer of powers and functions from the national government to county governments, established under Kenya's 2010 Constitution. Counties now manage local services such as health and roads.

The supreme law of a country that sets out how the state is governed, the powers of its organs and the rights of citizens. In Kenya, any law inconsistent with it is void.

The chapter of a constitution listing fundamental freedoms and protections for every person, such as life, equality, expression and fair trial. These rights bind all state organs.

The devolved unit of government in Kenya led by a governor and county assembly, responsible for local functions such as agriculture, health and markets within its boundaries.

The principle that the legislature, executive and judiciary hold distinct functions and check one another, preventing any single branch from concentrating too much authority.

A Kenyan anti-colonial resistance movement of the 1950s, centred largely among the Kikuyu, that fought British rule through guerrilla warfare and led to the state of emergency.

A suspension of normal law and civil liberties declared by a government in a crisis. Britain declared one in Kenya in October 1952 in response to the Mau Mau uprising.

The moment a nation gains full self-rule and sovereignty. Kenya became independent from Britain on 12 December 1963, with Jomo Kenyatta as its first Prime Minister.

A state whose head is an elected or appointed president rather than a monarch. Kenya became a republic on 12 December 1964, one year after independence.

A vast geological depression running north to south through Kenya, formed by the pulling apart of the Earth's crust. It holds lakes such as Naivasha and Turkana and volcanic features.

The imaginary line circling the Earth halfway between the poles at zero degrees latitude. It crosses Kenya and largely explains the country's warm climate and seasonal rainfall patterns.

The whole area of land drained by a river and its tributaries. In Kenya, the major basins include those of the Tana, Athi and the Lake Victoria catchment.

The formal line of authority through which orders pass from senior to junior ranks. Each member answers to one superior, which keeps responsibility clear in a disciplined force.

A level of seniority in an armed force that carries specific authority and responsibilities, such as private, corporal, sergeant or lieutenant. Rank determines who gives and receives orders.

Orderly, obedient conduct produced by training and self-control, so members act correctly even under stress. It is the foundation of military effectiveness and unit cohesion.